Tire Mounted Sensor Orientation Detection Using Acceleration Polarity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) face challenges in determining the orientation of tire-mounted sensors relative to the wheel, particularly in dual-wheel configurations and trucks, where ABS sensors are not universally provided, leading to inaccuracies in auto-location methods.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that determine the orientation of a tire-mounted sensor by measuring acceleration along specific axes, correlating the polarity of acceleration with designated orientations, and using wireless signals to indicate the correct orientation, allowing the sensor to be mounted in either of two orientations and rotated by 180° about a normal axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If wireless auto-location methods are used to determine TPMS sensor position, then automatic location determination is achieved, but the method fails for tire mounted sensors due to unknown orientation with respect to the wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining the orientation of the tire mounted sensor with respect to the wheel before performing auto-location. The system first measures acceleration to establish the sensor's orientation, then uses this orientation information to correctly associate sensor data with specific wheels. This preliminary orientation determination enables subsequent automatic location to work accurately with tire mounted sensors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tire mounted sensors are used instead of valve mounted sensors, then additional information such as tire footprint length and road surface conditions can be obtained, but the orientation of the sensor with respect to the wheel cannot be assumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical orientation indicators (such as physical marks on the tire or sensor) with an accelerometer-based detection system. The accelerometer measures acceleration forces to determine the sensor's orientation with respect to the wheel, eliminating the need for mechanical reference features. This substitution enables orientation detection while maintaining the versatility benefits of tire mounted sensors.
3Measurement precision
If auto-location methods relying on ABS data are used, then location determination works for vehicles with ABS, but the method is restricted for trucks where ABS sensors are not provided on all axles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal orientation determination method that works across different vehicle types including trucks, vehicles with and without ABS systems. By using the accelerometer in the tire mounted sensor itself to determine orientation, the system eliminates dependence on ABS sensors, making the auto-location method universally applicable to all vehicle configurations.
4Measurement precision
If differential wheel speed is used for auto-location, then location can be determined for single wheels, but the method does not work for dual wheels since each wheel has the same rotational speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using rotational speed (one dimension) as the basis for location determination to using acceleration measurements (another dimension) to determine sensor orientation. This dimensional change allows the system to differentiate between dual wheels and determine their respective orientations even when rotational speeds are identical, enabling location determination for dual wheel configurations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate determination of sensor orientation, improving auto-location accuracy and enabling correct data association with respective wheels, even in dual-wheel setups and trucks, by using acceleration measurements and wireless communication to establish the correct orientation.
Implementation Method 1
wherein the tire mounted device includes at least one sensor for detecting acceleration along at least one axis
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining an orientation of a tire mounted device with respect to a wheel rim using an acceleration sensor. With the wheel in a designated orientation and not rotating, a polarity of acceleration along a vertical axis is determined. Then it is determined which of a first absolute orientation or a second absolute orientation the tire mounted device is in depending on the determined polarity. The determined absolute orientation is correlated with the designated orientation to determine which of a first or second orientation with respect to the wheel rim the tire mounted device is in.